Nathan Johnston, the drummer of Simpsons-themed and Melbourne-based band Dr. Colossus, has died.

In a statement, Johnston’s bandmates Jono and Mike say Johnston played his final show at Melbourne’s Cherry Bar on Saturday night, and “destroyed it”.

“He was in fine form. Grinning at Grindhouse’s set and just thoroughly enjoying the night,” they say.

Johnston’s bandmates say his death “doesn’t feel real”.

“We are thinking constantly of Nath’s beautiful wife Kate and the entire family. We send love and support to them all,” they say.

“Nath appreciated all the support our band got and would constantly share things he found online of people who had written something nice about the band or got involved somehow.

“Enjoy life and enjoy the music Nathan Johnston created and left in his legacy.”

Read the band’s statement in full, below.

Dr. Colossus Statement

It is with our deepest regret that Mike and I must inform you of the passing away of our dear friend and drummer, Nathan.

The last couple of days have been incredibly hard to wrap our heads around. It doesn’t feel real. We are thinking constantly of Nath’s beautiful wife Kate and the entire family. We send love and support to them all.

Nath played his last show on Saturday at Cherry Bar in Melbourne and destroyed it. He was in fine form. Grinning at Grindhouse’s set and just thoroughly enjoying the night.

I will miss playing with him sorely, and I will miss having him around even more. I was lucky to have a friend like Nath and we have had such a great time doing this band and it has given us so many laughs and allowed us to be stupid and play music we love.

Nath appreciated all the support our band got and would constantly share things he found online of people who had written something nice about the band or got involved somehow. You all meant a lot to him. Mike and I thank you all from the bottom of our riff filled hearts for the joy you brought Nath and us all in your support of the band.

Enjoy life and enjoy the music Nathan Johnston created and left in his legacy.Cheers to you all.